Best Things To Do in Pula, Croatia

Are you looking for what to do in Pula?

PLACES TO SEE

  • The Arena: An ancient roman amphitheatre and one of the largest surviving Roman arenas in the world.
  • Temple of Augustus: A 2000 year old Roman temple dedicated to first Emperor Augustus.
  • Triumphal Arch of Sergius: An ancient roman triumphal arch constructed in 29-27 BC. Commemorating three brothers of Sergii family
  • Aquarium Pula: Set in 130-year old fortress, ideal for family and kids.
  • Dvojna vrata, Herkulova vrata and Zlatna vrata: Classic city gates and landmarks of Pula belonging to the Roman Era.
  • Religious buildings: St. Francis church and Monastery, Orthodox church.
  • Mornaricka crkva: A sailor’s church and Mornariko groblje- Sailor’s cemetery. 
  • Museums: Archaeological museum, Kastel- Istrian history museum.

WHERE TO BE

  • Spend time at the Pula beaches: Pula beaches are some of the finest beaches in Croatia and though the coast in downtown is rocky and not favorable for swimming, the Stoja neighbourhood has pleasant beaches. , Valkane, Valsaline, Zlatne stjene and Verudela peninsula are very popular among the tourists. The Verudela also has some great pebble beaches and hitting the beach is one of the best Pula activities.
  • For Shopping in Pula, you can walk down the Sergijevaca Street for exploring local shops and souvenir stores.
  • You can go forest hiking in Pula and discover some untouched and hidden Austro-Hungarian fortresses.
  • Visit the nearby Brijuni islands and go fish-picnicking. 

Below we have a list of things to do in Pula and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Pula getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Pula with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Pula

Here is the list of things to do in Pula and tourist attractions in city.

  1. The Arena

    4.6 (1142 Votes)
    The Arena

    Ancient Ruin, Monument, Entertainment, Performance

    An architectural masterpiece, an ancient roman amphitheatre and one of the largest surviving Roman arenas in the world. The arena is the most visited tourist destination in Pula. With reconstructions and addition happening for centuries, the arena is first believed to be built in between 27 BC-68 AD. Considered as one of the best preserved monuments in the world, this aesthetically pleasing str...Read more
  2. Temple Of Augustus

    4.5 (1102 Votes)
    Temple Of Augustus

    Religious Site, Temple, Architecture

    This well-preserved Roman temple dedicated to first Roma Emperor Augustus has stood the test of time for over 2000 years surviving rise and fall of different empires, conversion into structure for various other purposes than what it was built for, restored after hit by World War bombings. Built around 2 BC, this temple is also dedicated to goddess Roma- a personification of Rome. It was a part ...Read more
  3. Triumphal Arch Of Sergius

    4.5 (1102 Votes)
    Triumphal Arch Of Sergius

    Landmark, Ancient Ruin, Architecture

    Also known as the Arch of Sergii, this is another landmark of Pula reminiscing the Roman era. It is an ancient roman triumphal arch constructed in 29-27 BC. Commemorating three brothers of Sergii family, specifically Lucius Sergius Lepidus who was a tribune serving in the 29th legion that participated in the historic battle of Actium. The Sergii family was a powerful official name in the colony...Read more
  4. Aquarium Pula

    4.4 (921 Votes)
    Aquarium Pula

    Aquarium

    An interesting Aquarium set in a 130 year fortress Verudela, this place is ideal for kids and families. A home to around 100 species of north and south Adriatic fish along with 50 species from tropical seas and fresh waters, the Pula aquarium involved one-to-one experience like feeding the fish. It also includes a collection of sea turtles, albino Gourami, Horseshoe crab (a living fossil), cora...Read more
  5. Historical Museum Of Istria

    4.4 (991 Votes)
    Historical Museum Of Istria

    Art And Culture, Ancient Ruin, Historical Site, Fort

    Founded in 1955, the historical museum of Istria is housed in a baroque style castle. Located atop a hill in Pula, this fortification offers a 360 degree view of the city and the city wall and towers can be observed. The fortress was built in the 17th century. The museum displays around 50,000 items of immense cultural and historical value from the time period of 15th century till date. The mus...Read more
  6. Dvojna Vrata

    4.5 (1058 Votes)
    Dvojna Vrata

    Historical Site, Architecture , Specialty Museum

    One of the landmarks of Pula, this is one of the well-preserved 10 gates city gates belonging to the Roman Empire. These gates date back to 2nd century and lead to the Archaeological Museum of Istria and the Small Roman Theatre and the Castle. Worth a visit!
  7. Monastery And Church Of St. Francis

    Church, Religious Site, Monastery

    Located just behind the Forum square, this is a 17th century complex which mesmerises the visitors with its charm. It includes a single-nave basilica surrounded with tranquil garden. The well-maintained gardens are framed by Gothic triumphal arches. The stone pieces and the mosaic fragments adorning the structure date back to the Roman period. Offering a great experience to visitors, the Monast...Read more
  8. Pula Cathedral Or Cathedral Of The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary

    Religious Site, Historical Site, Tower, Cathedral

    One of the major religious buildings of Pula, this cathedral exhibits grandeur and architecture that will stun the visitors. The cathedral dates back to the 5th century and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. The main altar is a Roman sarcophagus which holds the relics of Saints from the 3rd century. The floor has excellent 5th and 6th century mosaics. There is also a bell tower which w...Read more
  9. Zerostrasse

    Museum, Archaeological Site , Exhibition , Tunnel

    An impressive underground system of tunnel built prior to the WW I, Zerostrasse was extensively used to shelter the city’s population during the war. It was also used as a storage space for the ammunition and equipments and served as a perfect hide-out. You can walk through its several sections and the mazes leading to the middle where there is a photo exhibit. The exhibit displays early ...Read more
  10. Kap Kamenjak

    Outdoors, Water Body, Biking Trail, Walking Area

    This is a beautiful landscape where visitors can observe rare species of birds and animals. Kap Kamenjak is a feast for nature lovers. Although it can be visited all round the year, the best time to visit Kap Kamenjak is late spring and early fall. You can walk the path of dinosaurs and observe its footprints dating back to 80 million years ago, go for a bike ride, relax at any of the beach bar...Read more
  11. Museum Of Contemporary Art Of Istria

    Art And Culture, Art Museum, Exhibition

    Set inside an old printing house off the harbour, this contemporary art museum provides art lovers an insight to Istria’s art from the second half of the 20th century till today. The museum was established in 2008 and is housed in an Austro-Hungarian building dating back to 1862. The art works of K. Istrian Paliska Q. Bassani, E. Kokot, Mr. Mocca, J. Diminic B. Sumonja R. Pauletta, D.&nbs...Read more
  12. Roman Amphitheatre
    You can see shows in the preserved ruins of a Roman Amphitheatre (the Arena), on Ozad Arene Street (July is the best month for events).
  13. Brijuni Islands
    For a day trip you could visit one of the peninsula islands off the coast of Pula, such as; the Brijuni islands, declared a National Park, or Island Veruda, each with their own unique history and opportunities for an adventure.
  14. Holiday Resort Splendid
    Holiday Resort Splendid, a self catered resort on the Zlatne stijene (beach). A modern and colourful, pet friendly, hotel with a great view of the sea, a restaurant, pool, sport facilities and various other amenities.
  15. Pietas Julia
    Pietas Julia is one of the most popular attractions in Pula because of the wide range of customers it is easily able to serve. Apart from being one of the best clubs in Pula, it also an excellent place to go for a hearty breakfast or a luxurious lunch. The bar has a number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to choose from and because it is located very close to the sea, the view from the clu...Read more